Counterweighted aerial trailer

Abstract

A trailer for supporting aerial apparatus having a boxlike frame defining a receptacle for receiving counterweight material such as cement or steel shot. Reinforcing partitions within the frame define a torque box highly resistant to frame twisting.

We claim: 
     
       1. A trailer for supporting aerial apparatus comprising, in combination, an elongated frame having a front end, a rear end, lateral sides, an upper portion and a bottom portion, a tractor hitch defined on said frame front end, wheels rotatably mounted on said frame adjacent said rear end, aerial apparatus support means supported on said frame extending above said upper portion, said lateral sides being defined by channel beams having a base and upper and lower legs extending therefrom, said bottom portion comprising a thick metal bottom flat plate affixed to said lower legs, said bottom plate laterally extending beyond said lateral side channel beams when misaligned with respect to said wheels, said channel beams and bottom plate comprising impervious plates defining a receptacle, an initially fluent counterweight within said receptacle confined by said channel beams and bottom plate, and a plurality of reinforcing plates within said frame obliquely extending between and affixed to said channel beams resisting lateral twisting of said frame. 
     
     
       2. In a trailer for supporting aerial apparatus as in claim 1, said reinforcing plates having a vertical dimension substantially equal to the vertical dimension of said frame, said reinforcing plates having a lower edge welded to said bottom plate. 
     
     
       3. In a trailer for supporting aerial apparatus as in claim 1, said upper portion comprising a thick metal upper plate bridging said channel beams' upper legs and affixed thereto whereby said frame comprises a box in transverse cross section. 
     
     
       4. In a trailer for supporting aerial apparatus as in claim 3, said counterweight comprising cement. 
     
     
       5. In a trailer for supporting aerial apparatus as in claim 3, said counterweight comprising steel particles. 
     
     
       6. In a trailer for supporting aerial apparatus as in claim 3, said bottom and upper plates having a thickness of at least 11/2 inches.